PARB

Postadjudication Review Boards

Mission Statement

Postadjudication Review Boards of Oklahoma ensure the best interests of Deprived/Delinquent children are being met through external citizen review, to monitor the efforts of the children services programs and make recommendations for system improvement in order to enhance the management of individual children’s cases as well as the administration of the system. As a result, children will achieve safety, stability and permanency without undue delay; enjoy continuity of relationships; and have the opportunity to develop their full potential.

A PARB is composed of at least five volunteers (members) who live or work within the local judicial district.The volunteer board members have a desire to help our children create a brighter future for themselves.The volunteers are appointed by the Oklahoma Commission on Children and Youth through the recommendation of the local judge with the juvenile court responsibility.The primary responsibility of a PARB is to be an advocate for children who live within the local PARB’s judicial district.In addition, the PARB reviews encourage interagency coordination and cooperation.

The benefits to a judge of an active and experienced PARB are quite significant.PARB reviews are useful tools for the juvenile court judge on both an individual case basis and collectively.Individually, a PARB review brings a case into focus, not as a legal proceeding, but as an in-depth look at a child's life, within the custody of DHS in a way that treats the child as the focus.Their review critiques whether the individual child is having his or her needs met. Collectively, PARB gives an overview to the juvenile judge of all the children in the custody of DHS, under the auspices of the court system.This overview can help illuminate recurring issues, "across-the-board".An overview which is an informed, common sense perspective and helpful in assessing needs within the existing, as we seek to improve it. PARB is an important voice for children who need it the most:abused or neglected, and sometimes overlooked.PARB makes a difference.